Prospectus
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Course Aims
The course aims to provide students with an understanding of domestic and international politics. Advanced Level Politics aims to develop students’ political knowledge and their ability to analyse political institutions, issues and reforms.
Entry Requirements
- An interest in politics and current affairs.
- Willingness to put in the effort into this challenging but rewarding subject.
- Due to the nature of this course a B grade is recommended in either English or History at GCSE.
- Independent research and study skills.
- Interpretation and analytical skills.
- Willingness and ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
- An interest in discussing political ideas and a willingness to learn from others.
- Ability to present a reasoned and balanced argument.
Course Content and Assessment
At Advanced Subsidiary Level three modules will be covered:
- Module 1 – “People and Politics”. Focus on elections, democracy, political parties and pressure groups. (1 hour - Two questions from choice of four.)
- Module 2 – “Governing the UK”. Focus on the UK Constitution, role of Parliament, power within the executive and role of the judiciary. (1 hour - Two questions from choice of five.)
- Module 3 – “The Changing UK System”. Focus on electoral reform, constitutional reform, devolution and the power of the EU. (1 hour - One question from choice of two)
At Advanced level three further modules will be covered focusing on either European, American or International politics. (Example: Route C Politics in the USA)
- Module 4 - “Representation in the USA”. Focus on elections, political parties, pressure groups, radical and ethnic politics (1 hour - Two questions from choice of four.)
- Module 5 – “Governing the USA”. Focus on the US Constitution and Supreme Court, Congress, the Presidency and the idea of Federalism (1 hour - Two questions from choice of five.)
- Module 6 – Comparative UK and US Politics – this is a synoptic assessment drawing on knowledge and material from AS Level, Modules 4 and 5. Focus on constitutions, judiciaries, assemblies, executives, political parties, pressure groups and territorial politics (1 hour - One question from choice of two.)
Teaching Methods
The Politics course will make full use of a wide range of teaching methods, including seminars and case studies, as well as students’ presentations, research, debates, group and class discussion. The course will aim to make full use of ICT, guest speakers, as well as trips to Parliament and further afield.
Career and Higher Education Opportunities
Politics is a very well regarded A Level option for the following university courses and careers: Journalism, History, Banking, Finance and Economics, Law, Business Studies, European Studies, any Social Studies course or job, Philosophy, Public Administration and of course, Politics itself.
‘A’ Level Combinations
Politics works especially well with the following subjects: History, Law, Sociology, Economics and Geography, this is because Politics looks at similar issues and provides a link between all of these subjects. Politics is an excellent subject to combine with English or Business Studies as this will give students an added dimension to their sixth form studies. Politics may also be a good subject for scientists and mathematicians who want to take on a non-scientific subject at AS Level.
